Trigger lock

Abstract

The invention is a lock for a gun that locks the trigger so it cannot be moved. The lock fits between the trigger and the trigger guard and keeps the trigger from moving. One of the unique features of the lock is that it can be locked both by a key and a padlock. The lock is comprised of two sections that in the preferred embodiment are made out of plastic which are attached together by a flexible strip of plastic and, thus, can be molded as a single piece. In approximately the middle of both sections is an opening. In this opening is placed the lock cylinder with a pin. From the end of the lock cylinder extends a loop with a sufficient size opening that a shackle of a padlock can be placed through it. To use the lock, one places the two sections together between the trigger and the trigger guard and then inserts the key into the lock cylinder and turns it. Once the pin falls in the proper location, the lock is securely held together between the trigger and trigger guard such that the trigger cannot be moved. This, of course, locks the gun. The loop that extends from the lock cylinder extends from the opening in the opposite section and past the edge of the opposite section sufficiently to allow the opening within the loop to extend out far enough that a shackle of a padlock can be placed through it. Thus, a padlock can be placed on the lock to provide additional security.

I claim:  
     
       1. A trigger lock comprising: 
       a) a first section adapted to fit between a trigger and a trigger guard of a gun and said first section has a tongue that covers said trigger when the first section is placed between the trigger guard and trigger; and  
       b) a second section that is adapted to fit between the trigger and the trigger guard and said second section is adapted to seat in the first section and said second section has a tongue that covers the trigger when said second section is seated within said first section; and  
       c) a flexible member whose first end attaches to the first section and whose second end attaches to the second section and said flexible member is of sufficient length that the second section can be brought around to seat within the first section when both sections are attached to the flexible member; and,  
       d) a means for locking the first and second sections together such that the trigger cannot be moved.  
     
     
       2. A trigger lock as in  claim 1  wherein: 
       a) the flexible member is a living hinge.  
     
     
       3. A trigger lock as in  claim 1  wherein: 
       a) the first section and the second section and the flexible member are made out of a single piece of plastic.  
     
     
       4. A trigger lock as in  claim 1  wherein: 
       a) the means for locking the two sections together between the trigger and the trigger guard is by a padlock.  
     
     
       5. A trigger lock as in  claim 1  wherein: 
       a) the means for locking the two sections together between the trigger and the trigger guard is by a key lock.  
     
     
       6. A trigger lock as in  claim 4  wherein: 
       a) the means for locking the two sections together between the trigger and the trigger guard is by a key lock.